In a dramatic move that has stunned both workers and residents alike, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has threatened to sack any government worker participating in the ongoing strike over the new minimum wage within 72 hours.
Governor Nwifuru issued the warning on Monday, December 2, 2024, during a press conference at his office in Abakaliki, the state capital. His ultimatum follows a week-long industrial strike led by the state’s Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Oguguo Egwu, in protest over the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage.
The strike, which started on November 30, 2024, was in response to a directive from the national leadership of the NLC. On November 8, 2024, the NLC had instructed state councils in Nigeria to go on strike in states where the new minimum wage had yet to be implemented. However, the Governor of Ebonyi State wasted no time in expressing his frustration with the move.
“I was surprised to hear that labour went on strike after I started paying the new minimum wage in October,” Governor Nwifuru remarked, visibly upset. He clarified that the new wage, which was implemented in the state in October, was a minimum wage and not a salary increment, as many had perceived it. He further stressed that the National Assembly had only passed a bill establishing a minimum wage, and not a salary increment, leaving no room for further debate on the issue.
The governor’s reaction highlighted his displeasure with the strike action, asserting that it was unjustified. “The National Assembly didn’t pass a bill for increment in salary but minimum wage for workers,” Nwifuru stated. “And I want to make it clear that I am not owing any worker in the state any monthly salary, pension, or gratuity.”
The strike had been organized by Comrade Oguguo Egwu, who, in a statement on Sunday, explained that the industrial action was a response to the NLC’s directive to states that had not yet implemented the new wage. He expressed disappointment that Ebonyi was among the states where the wage had not yet been fully addressed.
However, Governor Nwifuru made it clear that the state was not willing to tolerate any further disruptions. “If you choose not to go to work and stay at home in the name of strike, I will replace you within 72 hours,” he warned, stressing the importance of getting back to work. “So, I’m giving you 72 hours to return to duty or I will sack you.”
The governor also announced that attendance registers would be opened in all government offices and ministries across the state, with a strict monitoring system to ensure that workers who defied the strike were properly recorded. Workers who reported to work would be paid based on their attendance, and the register would serve as proof of their presence.
On the issue of negotiations, Governor Nwifuru was firm in his stance, indicating that he would not be engaging in any talks with Comrade Egwu, whom he noted was not a worker under his employment. “I don’t think I will engage in any negotiations because Comrade Egwu is not my worker,” he stated bluntly.
The strike has caused a significant stir in the state, as some ministers and government officials, including those in charge of primary and secondary schools, reportedly chose to ignore the action and continue their duties as usual. This disregard for the strike by certain key officials has further fueled tensions between the state government and the NLC leadership.
Comrade Egwu, on the other hand, has not yet responded publicly to the governor’s ultimatum. However, the NLC leader has been a vocal advocate for the fair treatment of workers and the proper implementation of the new minimum wage across the country.
The workers in Ebonyi are now left with a difficult decision: return to their duties or risk being replaced by new personnel. Governor Nwifuru’s firm stance is clear, and it has raised the stakes for those involved in the industrial action.